LATEST THINKING

Gen Z rising

OVERVIEW

As the first crop of Gen Z talent joins the future workforce, new grads hold traditional work values with a digital spin. For the first time in years, there is an uptick in the number of new college graduates wanting to work for large companies. They are willing to commit and ready to roll up their sleeves. In return they want an engaging employee experience that takes full advantage of their degree, including the digital skills they bring to the table.

KEY FINDINGS

The vast majority of new graduates (88 percent) considered job availability before selecting their major. Seventy-five percent of new grads are willing to relocate for a job. And they bring confidence in their ability to contribute, with 78 percent feeling prepared for today’s digital workforce.

Large employers are well positioned

New graduates return to more traditional workplace values: a clear career path and stability, training and mentoring, and competitive compensation. Large employers are best positioned to provide the employee experience new grads desire.

Digital natives crave the human element

New grads rate communications, problem-solving and management savvy as the top skills they are looking to develop. A significant number (42 percent) show a preference for in-person meetings. And recent graduates working for large companies rank a supervisor who will mentor and coach as a top priority.

88%

of new grads considered job availability before selecting their major

COUNTRY FINDINGS

Learn how the expectations of Gen Z graduates in your country compare to other countries.

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Completed an internship or apprenticeship

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Prefer to work for a large organization

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University adequately prepares for digital workforce

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Expect to find a job within 6 months

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Expect to stay 3 or more years at first job

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Artificial Intelligence will have a positive impact on my job

GRADS' EXPECTATIONS

Watch the video to learn first-hand from college graduates what their expectations are as they enter the workforce.